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Once chance to get it right!

Once chance to get it right!
The Sydney Business Chamber has thrown its support behind the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s call for a whole of government approach to the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro rail project.
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Once chance to get it right! Sydenham metro bankstown
The Sydney Business Chamber has thrown its support behind the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s call for a whole of government approach to the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro rail project.

24/05/2017

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24/05/2017

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The Sydney Business Chamber has thrown its support behind the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s call for a whole of government approach to the
Sydenham to Bankstown Metro rail project.

Administrator Richard Colley said Council intended to hold a summit, where Members of Parliament would be urged to advocate for a coordinated approach.

"I am concerned Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning and Environment have been shortsighted when it comes to the long-term vision for this project," Mr Colley said.

"From what we’ve seen in the early plans for Bankstown Station, the intention is to build a convoluted ramp system with two access points, at North Terrace and South Terrace. They do not consider the land adjacent to the station, such as the existing bus area, commuter car parking areas, or the streets and commercial buildings along North Terrace and South Terrace.

"The proposed metro entrance at the end of the platform is essentially an add-on to the existing station, which will create a long walk for commuters, and become a barrier between the north and south of Bankstown’s CBD. This limited north-south connectivity will also further impact bus and general traffic movements.

"The plans are impractical and unsafe, due to the narrow access points and limited sightlines. There is no integration with the town centre, or attempt to make the station a visual feature of our city. In fact, it appears the focus is on retaining a handful of car parking spaces for rail staff, not an overall vision to meet the needs of commuters, motorists and pedestrians alike."

Council has today released concept plans which contain three options, the preference being a model based on an underground rail link where the proposed Sydenham to Bankstown rail line and existing Bankstown line are relocated.

"Placing the lines underground increases options to cross the rail line from three to six, which will considerably reduce traffic congestion, make it safer for pedestrians, and finally free-up additional open space to establish an integrated and accessible CBD precinct," Mr Colley said.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which we can’t let it slip, so it’s very important we work together to develop the best result for Bankstown, its residents and thousands of commuters."

Sydney Business Chamber, Western Sydney Director David Borger, said the Metro provides an opportunity to revitalise the Bankstown town centre.

Figure 2: Artist impression of a new town square where the busway and station entry are currently located.

"The train line currently cuts the town centre in half which restricts pedestrian movement and trade," Mr Borger said.

"It’s time we approached Bankstown like we would approach the Sydney CBD, all of our town centres deserve high-quality urban design and world-class planning."

Council intends to lodge a submission when the NSW Government places the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro plans on public exhibition in coming months, and encourages local residents and businesses to do the same. In the meantime, it intends bringing local Members of Parliament and businesses together for a summit on the issue.